The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community in Osun State was thrown into mourning following the lynching of a 500-level student of Civil Engineering Department, Ahize Okoli, on Tuesday. He was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on campus for stealing a mobile phone. However, the Osun State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the heinous act.
According to Yemisi Opalola, the Command spokesperson, “investigations will continue into the incident and justice would be served. We have arrested two student leaders in connection with the incident.” The University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, also stressed that the institution would not meddle in such a grave offense that borders on criminality of murder. He urged the police to carry out their investigation, promising that the university would do its findings.
Meanwhile, students in the Faculty of Technology, on Wednesday, protested the killing of one of their own and blocked roads leading to the institution. The protesters demanded the arrest of all those involved in the dastardly act and specifically called for the arrest of student security volunteers who allegedly took custody of Ahize after he had been assaulted in Awo Hall of Residence.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, and the arrest of the suspects is a welcome development. It is expected that the police investigation will unearth the identities of other perpetrators of the crime, and they will be brought to justice.
The lynching of Ahize Okoli is a sad reminder of the dangers of mob action and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Such acts of lawlessness should be condemned in the strongest terms possible, and the perpetrators brought to justice. The police and university authorities must work together to ensure that justice is served and to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic incident.